Remember, this does not have to be a rushed or stressful time. A relaxed approach is best. Here are some helpful tips adapted from The American Academy of Pediatrics:

Be patient and don't worry about accidents: they WILL happen

Share the same consistent approach with other care givers, like the grandparents, baby sitter or day care staff

If you don't use a potty(which is preferable), a toilet seat adapter and a footstool will be necessary

Make sure the potty is in a place that your child can get to easily

In order to help your child get used to the potty, let him/her sit on it while fully dressed. Then he/she can sit on it after the wet diaper has been removed

To show your child what a potty is used for, put a dirty diaper in it

Take your child to the potty several times each day and encourage him/her to sit on it for a few minutes without wearing a diaper

Encourage your child to tell you when he/she needs to go and praise him/her(even if it is too late)

Learn and watch for the signs that he/she needs to go

Develop a routine by having your child sit on the potty at specific times during the day, such as after getting up in the morning, after meals or snacks, before naps and before bedtime. THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP. IT WILL ASSURE A REGULAR ROUTINE AND AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS.

When your child has used the potty successfully for at least a week, try cotton underpants or training pants

What if toilet training doesn't work?

If the first try was not successful or the child refuses to use the potty, it's usually because he/she was not ready. Take a break from the training for a couple of months. If your child refuses to go in a potty or the toilet, let him/her have bowel movements in a diaper to prevent constipation. Constipation resulting from holding it in, can make going to the bathroom painful, something that will certainly make toilet training more difficult. Talk to your doctor if your child still refuses after several tries or is older than 4 years of age.

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The information provided in this site is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always consult a physician.